Commonwealth Numbered Acts

AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ACT 1997 No. 52 of 1997 - SECT 39

(1) The Deputy Chairman is to act as the Chairman:

   (a)  during a vacancy in the office of Chairman (whether or not an
        appointment has previously been made to the office); or

   (b)  during any period, or during all periods, when the Chairman is absent
        from duty or from Australia, or is, for any reason, unable to perform
        the duties of the office. Note: Under section 33A of the
        Acts Interpretation Act 1901, this Act applies in relation to a person
        acting as the Deputy Chairman as if the person were the holder of the
        office of Deputy Chairman.

(2) The Minister may appoint a member to act as the Deputy Chairman:

   (a)  during a vacancy in the office of Deputy Chairman (whether or not an
        appointment has previously been made to the office); or

   (b)  during any period, or during all periods, when the Deputy Chairman is
        acting as the Chairman, is absent from duty or from Australia, or is,
        for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.

(3) The Minister may appoint a person to act as a member (other than as
Chairman or Deputy Chairman):

   (a)  during a vacancy in the office of a member (whether or not an
        appointment has previously been made to the office); or

   (b)  during any period, or during all periods, when a member is acting as
        the Deputy Chairman, is absent from duty or from Australia, or is, for
        any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.

(4) Anything done by a person purporting to act under this section is not
invalid merely because:

   (a)  the occasion for the appointment had not arisen; or

   (b)  there was a defect or irregularity in connection with the appointment;
        or

   (c)  the appointment had ceased to have effect; or

   (d)  the occasion for the person to act had not arisen or had ceased.